Ghanaian rapper Okyeame Kwame has announced his preparedness to partner Roche Ghana Limited and other health institutions to impress on government to reduce import duties on Hepatitis drugs.

The rapper believes that the move will help reduce the cost of the drugs therefore making it affordable to all who need them.

Since 2009, the rapper through his Okyeame Kwame Foundation has been providing free Hepatitis screening and vaccination to the general public at nationwide screening exercises.

The nationwide screening and vaccination exercise has so far been organized in a number of cities - Accra, Tamale, Takoradi, Sunyani and Kumasi.

Those who tested positive during the nationwide screening exercise were also advised on control measures to live a healthy life.

Okyeame Kwame, speaking during this year's World Hepatitis on July 28, said his outfit is ready to lend more support to the Health Ministry to fight Hepatitis.

‘’I strongly believe that the Ministry of Health has already shown a lot of concern to helping Hepatitis patients through their advocacy and outreach programmes and would do everything possible to support them.’’

The Ministry of Health, in conjuction with all Hepatitis stakeholders, released a Hepatitis policy document to help fight the viral infection.

The Country Manager of Roche Ghana, Olufemi Lawson also speaking at the same event expressed his organization’s readiness to partner the Okyeame Kwame Foundation and other health institutions towards working to eradicate Hepatitis in the country.

He said “we are ready with the approval of the Ministry of Health to work with the Ghana Health Service and National Health Insurance Authority to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the treatment of the already infected while we continue to raise awareness to reduce future infections.’’

About 7,000 people have so far benefited from Okyeame Kwame’s free Hepatitis screening and vaccination exercise.